Let's pray, Lea!

You said a new word today! "PRAY!"

We were in the bedroom and I asked you if you could get the rosary for me. You nodded your head and said, "Yeah..." Then I said we were going to pray for all the babies who are in their mommies' tummies, and you said, "Pray!" Yaaay! I was so proud of you! Because you saw me smiling, you said it over and over again...and yet again when we finished the last decade together. =)

It meant so much to me that this was one of your first words because prayer is so important to us. When you were in my tummy, I would pray the rosary outloud so you could hear me and pray with me. When you were born, I would hold you in my lap and we would pray the rosary together. And now that you are a little bigger, you can hold the rosary in your hands while we pray and kiss Jesus on the cross when we are finished.

You are so good when we are praying the rosary, and people always compliment us on how quiet you are in Mass. I think it's because ever since you came into this world, you haven't known any other way to live. Other than home, church is the one place where you spend most of your time, and I'm so happy that you are comfortable in the house of the Lord.

I do hope that this beautiful life of prayer will stay with you your entire life. Your daddy and I will do our best to be good examples for you and show you what a relationship with Jesus and Mama Mary looks like. It's good to talk to them every day...to tell them how you are doing...to ask for what you need...to seek help for others when their faith or health is weak.

Let's continue to pray together and we will see wonderful things happen through the grace and power of God! AMEN!

Love,
Mommy

Baby sibling is a'waiting

Last weekend Ate Leilani gave you one of her baby dolls to take home. It was actually Tita Emeline's idea because she said it might help you get used to seeing another little baby in the house before your little brother or sister comes. It looks like you really like her! During the past two days you have brought the doll over to me and told me to hold her, and you give her kisses and hugs, too! You have me point to her ears, nose, mouth, eyes, and head like I do with you, and you take her hands and try to make her clap. Of course it will be a lot different when the real baby comes, but it's so nice to see you so open to the idea of Mommy taking care of another baby.

You're going to be a big sister in about two months...isn't that exciting? You really enjoy playing with other kids, and like Ninang Jaymee says, a little brother or sister is the best gift we can give you. You'll have a playmate here at home who you can spend time with and share your books and toys with. Hopefully you will grow up to be best friends and do so many things together when you get bigger!

Even just having you here with us has brought us so much happiness. Every day you are growing and showing us how much you are learning! Earlier this week you were working out with Daddy, doing squats and push-ups...and yesterday you were doing yoga stretches with me! Everyone loves having you around because you make them smile...when Daddy brought you to my school, all of my students were ooh-ing and ahh-ing over how cute you were pushing your stroller on the playground.

You'll be hearing us say to you that we wish you could stay little forever, but we know that God has a wonderful plan for your life...and so we will do our best to cherish the memories we make together.

Good night, little Lea!

Love,
Mommy

Welcome to the blog world, Meleana!

Dear Meleana,

Your daddy and I wanted to start this blog for you to record all of your milestones and precious moments because we have noticed that time flies by so quickly and you are growing up so fast. It has been a beautiful and blessed gift to have you in our lives. As I write this, you are now almost 15 months old...so happy and active...learning all these new things. Today you even walked over to our Santo Nino and said "Jesus"! We are so grateful for the great joy your presence brings into our home. Thank you for your smiles, your laughter, your hugs, and your kisses. We love you so much!

Love,
Mommy =)